State parks are free to Virginia-resident military veterans

Beginning Friday, all military veterans in Virginia and all active duty military members will receive free access to all Virginia state parks through Dec. 31.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is waiving all parking fees, the only fees charged at state parks by the Commonwealth, for all Virginia-resident armed forces veterans. Fees are also waived for all active duty members of the armed forces including activated reservists and National Guardsmen, regardless of their state of residency.

The offer is also good for the immediate family of active-duty personnel even if the military member is deployed.

To participate, veterans must either have a retired military identification card or the standard discharge form, DD214. Active duty personnel and family members must have their government-issued ID card.

Local state parks include Chippokes Plantation State Park in Surry County, First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach and York River State Park.

The parks will be free to all visitors June 13-19 to celebrate their 75th anniversary. For more information, visit virginiastateparks.gov.